80 -- Low temperature curing paint systems for use on military aircraft.

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Patuxent River, MD, announces its intent to contract for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RT&E) engineering and technical support services for low temperature curing paint systems for use on military aircraft. The scope of this effort is to develop an epoxy or urethane based paint system, consisting of both primer and top coat, that is sprayable and curable at conditions below 55 degrees F and 45& RH, (or more preferably between 40 and 50 degrees F and at relative humidity of 30-40%, while maintaining the performance properties of currently qualified mil-spec primers and topcoats. The developmental efforts are divided into two phases that could be conducted consecutively or in parallel. Phase 1 will be focused on the development of a low temperature-curing topcoat, whereas Phase II emphasis will be on the development of a primer that is sprayable and curable at the specified conditions. Performance characteristics of the system and its individual components will be evaluated in accordance with MIL-PRF-85582 and MIL-PRF-23377 for primers, and MIL-PRF-85285 (Type I or Type III) for top coats. Materials will be evaluated in the laboratory. After satisfactory performance in the lab, aircraft and/or components will be painted and subjected to field testing. A successful field demonstration by NAVAIR will consist of at least two years of operational exposure, and in the case of carrier-deployed assets, two carrier deployments of 6 months or longer. Field test results will be considered satisfactory if no additional or excessive maintenance of corrosion control efforts are associated with the new systems when compared to control aircraft. Regular maintenance and touch-up re-pairs are acceptable. This proposed effort will be a Full and Open Competitive. This notice provides pre-solicitation information to parties who feel they are capable of providing the above mentioned services. It is the Government’s intent to award a FFP single contract to the offeror who provides the best overall value to the Government. The anticipated period of performance is 2 years. It is anticipated that a request for proposals will be available through the NAVAIR solicitation homepage, http://www.navair.navy.mil/doing_business/open_solicitations/ approximately 2 May 2007. Phone and fax requests for a copy of the solicitation will not be accepted. This announcement is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not commit the Government to award a contract under the above listed terms.